Bloodwing Academy, #2
The Bond That Burns
by Briar Boleyn
Contents
CHAPTER 6 - BLAKE
Overview
From Blake’s viewpoint, Medra publicly rejects their coerced bond and declares neutrality, asserting Nyxaris speaks to her and recognizes no house. Avari endorses her request for time and study, while Mortis stokes fear and demands proof. Medra answers by inviting the Tribunal to follow her to witness evidence.
Summary
Blake opens in self-justification and resentment, eyeing Medra Pendragon’s defiance before the Tribunal and suspecting Kage Tanaka’s quiet involvement in Avari’s political play. He frames his actions as protective—saving her from Viktor—while bristling at her independence and scorning her rejection of House Drakharrow.
Medra declares she never chose betrothal to Blake and accuses him of manipulating and feeding on her without consent. Despite Blake’s expectation that highbloods will dismiss a blightborn’s complaint, Avari and Lysander insist she be heard. Medra presents herself in First Year colors to claim neutrality, arguing the dragon rider should serve all houses, not one, which sways parts of the room and unsettles Viktor.
Medra reveals Nyxaris spoke to her, that their bond remains incomplete, and that the dragon acknowledges no house. She asks for time to study and freedom from the unwanted mating bond. Blake’s pride and humiliation clash as he notes shifting alliances—Viktor seething, Theo displeased with Blake, and Marcus conspiring with Lunaya Orphos.
Avari supports Medra’s requests, emphasizing prudence, but Mortis counters, demanding proof Medra can commune with Nyxaris and warning she could turn the dragon against them. As fear ripples through the chamber, Medra cuts through the uproar by inviting the Tribunal to follow her to see proof.
Who Appears
- Blake DrakharrowPOV; conflicted and possessive, defends past actions, resents Medra’s defiance and neutrality.
- Medra PendragonDefies the Tribunal, decries coerced bond, claims Nyxaris speaks, asks for neutrality, time, and freedom.
- Elaria AvariAvari matriarch; supports hearing Medra and endorses her requests for time and study.
- Lord MortisOpposes Medra; demands proof, stokes fear that she could turn Nyxaris against highbloods.
- Viktor DrakharrowBlake’s uncle; impassive but seething as Medra challenges his control and claims.
- Lord PanseraArbiter; tries to silence Medra before allowing her to continue under pressure.
- Lysander OrphosSupports allowing Medra to speak, aligning with Avari’s stance.
- Kage TanakaCalm Bloodwing leader; Blake suspects him of backing Avari’s proposal.
- Marcus DrakharrowBlake’s brother; watches with hatred for Medra, seen conferring with Lunaya Orphos.
- Lunaya OrphosSeen beside Marcus Drakharrow, sharing quiet, possibly conspiratorial conversation.
- TheoBlake’s cousin; distances himself, signaling disapproval of Blake’s actions.